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Public Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Public Service information

See California salary details

$17.6K

$65.9K

$130.7K

How much do public service jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for public service in California is $65,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,231.00 and $93,026.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is public service?

Public service jobs are positions within government agencies or organizations that work to benefit the community and serve the public interest. These roles can be found at the federal, state, or local level and include careers such as teachers, police officers, social workers, public health professionals, and administrative staff. Public service employees help carry out policies, provide essential services, and ensure the well-being and safety of citizens. Working in public service often offers job stability, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on society.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public service?

To thrive in Public Service, you generally need a solid educational background in public administration, political science, or a related field, along with knowledge of government processes and regulations. Familiarity with data management systems, public policy tools, and sometimes certifications like Certified Public Manager (CPM) are typical requirements. Excellent communication, strong ethical standards, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders. These competencies ensure effective governance, policy implementation, and public trust in service delivery.

What are some common challenges faced when working in public service roles, and how can they be managed effectively?

Public service professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, handling high volumes of public inquiries, and balancing limited resources to meet community needs. These challenges can be managed through continuous professional development, effective communication, and strong teamwork. Building resilience and adaptability is key, as is staying informed about policy changes and best practices within the sector. Many organizations also offer training and support networks to help employees succeed in their roles.

What is the difference between Public Service vs Government Clerk?

AspectPublic ServiceGovernment Clerk
Required CredentialsVaries; often includes degrees or certifications depending on roleHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes additional certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, public institutions, community settingsGovernment offices, administrative settings
Employer & Industry UsagePublic sector organizations, government agenciesGovernment departments, municipal offices
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Service vs Government Clerk

Public Service encompasses a broad range of roles within government and community organizations, often requiring diverse qualifications. A Government Clerk is a specific role within the public sector, focusing on administrative tasks. While both work in government environments, Public Service roles may involve policy, outreach, or management, whereas Government Clerks primarily handle clerical duties. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What do you do in the public service?

Public service jobs involve working for government agencies or organizations to provide essential services to the community, such as public safety, health, education, and infrastructure. These roles often require strong communication, problem-solving skills, and adherence to regulations, with many positions requiring relevant certifications or training. Employees in public service contribute to the well-being and development of society through their work.

What jobs are considered public service?

Public service jobs include roles in government agencies, law enforcement, firefighting, public education, healthcare, social work, and public administration. These positions often require specific certifications or training and focus on serving the community or the public interest.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Service jobs in California?

The most popular types of Public Service jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Public Service jobs?

Cities in California with the most Public Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Service job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,924 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Public Service Employee (PSE) - Joshua Tree

County of San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $20.00 - $25.00 Hourly
Location : Joshua Tree, CA
Job Type: Temporary or Extra-Help
Job Number: 26-50104JT-02
Department: Special Districts
Opening Date: 08/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
The Job
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works - Special Districts is recruiting for Public Service Employees (PSEs) to support operations in Joshua Tree. These positions provide an opportunity to serve the local community while working in a collaborative environment dedicated to delivering essential programs and services to residents. Current vacancies include Office Assistant PSE and Preschool Aide PSE assignments.
The Office Assistant PSE provides administrative and customer service support by assisting the public in person and over the phone, answering questions regarding departmental procedures and practices, processing documents, maintaining records and files, scheduling appointments and meetings, preparing correspondence, reports, invoices, and other materials, performing data entry, and processing payments and cash transactions.
The Preschool Aide PSE assists with the planning and implementation of daily preschool operations. Responsibilities include ensuring the safety and well-being of children, assisting with learning activities and classroom experiences, interacting with parents and families, and assuming the duties of the lead teacher as needed to provide classroom coverage during staff absences.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Availability: Must be available to work in Joshua Tree and be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Extra-Help Position: Extra-help unclassified, non-regular positions classified as Public Service Employees (PSE). PSEs serve at the discretion of the appointing authority and do not attain regular status. Successful candidates should be considered at-will throughout their employment.
Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.
Minimum Requirements
Office Assistant PSE: No experience required.
Preschool Aide PSE: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience at a childcare center, preschool, school, or recreation setting where the main function of the job was interaction and instructions of children.
Selection Process
Application Procedure: Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. To receive consideration for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.
Applications will be processed continuously, and qualified candidates will be contacted to interview as vacancies occur, so it is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
These are extra-help, non-regular positions classified as Public Service Employees and receive no benefits. Successful candidates shall be considered at-will throughout the term of their employment and will not attain regular status. Applicants must successfully pass a background check prior to appointment.
All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mail frequently to learn additional information regarding this recruitment. Check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications. Update your firewalls to allow e-mails from San Bernardino County through governmentjobs.com. Update your Spam, Junk, and Bulk settings to ensure it will not spam/block/filter communications from email addresses with the following domain "@hr.sbcounty.gov". Finally, be sure to keep your personal information updated. Taking these steps now will help ensure you receive all communications regarding this recruitment.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.
EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the
For more important details, review the links below:
Guide to Completing a County Job Application
Applicant Information and the County Employment Process
This position does not have benefits.
01
PLEASE READ THE BELOW STATEMENT
Instructions:
The information provided on your application and in your responses to the following Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for this position. It is in your best interest to be as thorough as possible in your responses. Resumes will NOT be reviewed to determine qualifications. Applicants will not be able to update their application materials or answers to the questionnaire once the application has been submitted. Note: Experience listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.
  • I have read and understand the above statement.

02
Location Availability: This position reports to the desert area of Joshua Tree. Please indicate your willingness and availability to report to this location, and that you have indicated Joshua Tree on Agency Wide question #3.
Note: This position is located in Joshua Tree. If you mark "No" below and/or have not indicated Joshua Tree on agency wide question #3 you will not be considered for this position.
  • Yes, I am willing and available to report to Joshua Tree and have indicated Joshua Tree on agency wide question #3.
  • No, I am not willing or available to report to Joshua Tree.

03
I understand this position may require that I am available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
  • Yes, I am available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays:
  • No, I am not available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays:

04
Office Experience: Describe your Office Clerical experience, including your specific duties, and any office machines you operate. If no experience, indicate "N/A".
05
Childcare Experience: Please describe your work experience at a childcare center, preschool, school, or recreation setting where the main function of the job was interaction and instruction of children. If no experience, indicate "N/A".
06
Applicant Acknowledgement - Notification via email: As part of our efforts to increase efficiency and promote conservation of resources, human resources uses email to communicate with applicants. Therefore, all future communications regarding this recruitment, including applicant status and testing notifications, will be made via email. Each applicant needs their own email address. We strongly encourage you, as an applicant, to ensure that the email address you have provided us with your application is current, secure, confidential, and readily accessible to you. Adjust Spam and/or other filters so that our emails are accepted. Please carefully read any notices that we send you and follow any instructions provided in a timely manner. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails (i.e., for the non-delivery of our emails or if you fail to check your e-mail on a timely basis).
  • I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the above.

07
**ATTENTION GMAIL USERS**
We have become aware of an increase in Gmail's spam filter sensitivity. Due to this change, it is possible that emails coming from San Bernardino County Human Resources may be marked as spam and will not make it into your Gmail inbox.
For your convenience, the attached PDF document contains a step-by-step guide to create and apply filters within Gmail. To access the guide, Once downloaded, follow the instructions so that you will receive future emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources.
Note: If you apply the filters and still do not receive emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources you can check your (Neogov) account inbox. All notifications will appear there.
  • I understand

08
Applicant Acknowledgement - Application Complete: Thank you for taking the time to complete this application and supplemental questionnaire. Please be sure to review all information provided prior to submitting it as you cannot update or revise it once submitted. Your submitted application will be reviewed and evaluated as is. Please do not refer to a resume or other documentation in lieu of completing the employment history section or responding to the supplemental questions; they will not be reviewed or considered.
Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email confirmation will be sent to the email address listed on your application. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
  • I acknowledge that I have reviewed my application and understand that I will not be able to update or revise any part of it once submitted.

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